Should You Install Your Own Garage Door?
A big part of owning a home is knowing when to hire someone to handle a job and when to do it yourself. When it comes to installing garage doors, some people prefer to do this themselves, but it’s a bad idea for the vast majority of homeowners.
If you have experience with this type of installation and are quite comfortable with electrical work and mechanical installations, then you may wish to do it on your own. However, depending on the garage door, the installation may be more complicated than you anticipate.
What’s Involved in DIY Installation
If you choose to install your garage door, you’ll first need to get the door. This can be difficult due to the sizes of the pieces. You may need to hire a truck or have a friend pick up the pieces. Some companies will also deliver for you.
You should also plan to dedicate a full day to the job if you have experience with this sort of installation. If not, it could take more than a day to complete. It’s also helpful to have an extra person to help with holding and lifting the various pieces, as you’ll need to install several parts above your head. The doors themselves will weigh anywhere from 150-200 lbs and this requires some help in managing them.
In most cases, you’ll need a number of tools that work for garage door installation, including:
- 4-in-1 screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Level
- Locking pliers
- Socket set
- Cordless drill
You will also need sawhorses and a ladder, as well as safety equipment.
The hardware and rails will need to be set first and this can be difficult without some extra help. You’ll need to attach them to the ceiling, so having an extra set of hands to help hold everything up is essential. The garage door opener will also need to be installed, which can be quite heavy, particularly when trying to set it up above your head.
Finally, the door must be assembled and set into place, then tested to ensure the entire installation has been handled correctly. If not, you’ll need to remove the door and make any necessary adjustments.
Note: If you are replacing a door, it’s best to hire a professional to release the tension on the springs, as this can be very dangerous.
The entire process can be tiring and a little dangerous. Without the proper help, you’ll find that it is nearly impossible to get everything into place. Overall, you’ll save a considerable amount of time and effort by simply allowing the company to do the installation. Everything will be guaranteed to be correct and the entire process will go faster.
Looking for a garage door? Whether you want to install it yourself or not, Cornwall Garage Doors has what you need.
